Norfolk breast cancer charity to pilot new surgery gift box

Oa Hackett decided to created Little Lifts after being diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 28 and the charity have now been delivering boxes for nearly six years

A charity that supports breast cancer patients is piloting a new gift-giving service to help those facing surgery.

Little Lifts was founded in 2017 in Norfolk by Oa Hackett when she was receiving treatment for breast cancer.

The charity has provided around 14,500 boxes in the last six years to patients going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the East of England.

Ms Hackett said: "It's our mission to support every patient at every step of their active treatment".

The new surgery box will be offered to 600 patients at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) in a pilot scheme - and has been curated by hospital staff and patients.

"Surgery for a lumpectomy or a mastectomy can sometimes be the first aspect of treatment for many and it can be a very overwhelming and worrying time," she said.

"Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK - it affects 55,000 women and 350 men every year - and so this surgery box now means we can realise our vision to be able to provide kindness, love and support to every person that's going through surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer."

Alongside breast cancer patients, nurses at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital have helped choose products to go inside the new surgery box

Products inside the box include tea and fruit cordial to help with hydration, hygiene products, and a notebook so patients can write down how they are feeling.

Ms Hackett was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 28, and started the charity from her kitchen table after being "inspired by the kindness" she received.

She said: "Lots of people describe Little Lift boxes as being a big hug in a box they tell us that they are feeling overwhelmed with kindness that they've received from strangers.

"Also the box prepares them, it makes them feel not alone and thought about during what can be a really overwhelming and difficult time."

The charity hopes to deliver the first surgery boxes to patients at the NNUH at the end of October.